Josh Flowers - Commercial Pilot, Flight InstructorAge: 20

Photo by Aaron Cartwright

Ever since I can remember, it's been all about the planes. The same goes for my Dad, who received his private pilot certificate in 1982. Dad has always been a mentor to me, but more importantly he has always been a friend, and as a boy, I wanted to grow to be just like him.

In 1983, my parents purchased a beautiful 1980 Cessna 172N Skyhawk II, N9812J. Naturally, they named it "Juliet." Juliet stayed in the family for seventeen years until life took place, and my family had to sell the beloved airplane in February 1999 - I was 3 years old.

Vague memories of Juliet lingered in my youth mind for years, and I distinctly remember always asking my Dad questions about the airplane, flying, and aviation in general. Once my parents got the gist that I was into flying, they purchased a discovery flight for me in a 2000 Piper Archer III, N4178D.

On that day, December 19th, 2009, I logged my first hour of flight time in a little flimsy paper logbook, and that morning was the beginning of my flying career.